What are Pest Birds?

Any species of bird can become a pest bird when their numbers grow exponentially in an area used by humans. Large numbers of some species of birds can become a risk to our health and safety, whilst other species damage property and carry diseases that are harmful to humans.

When you think of Pest Birds, your mind is likely to go straight to Seagulls and Pigeons, which are the most common pest species we manage. These birds are well known for leaving large amounts of faeces all over cars and buildings, and their constant scavenging for food.

However, I bet you are not aware that having a Pest Bird leaving droppings in areas frequently visited, on tools or heavy plant machinery is a Health and Safety risk? As bird droppings can lead to several diseases which include things like:

Psittacosis – this is a rare infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia psittaci. It is mainly associated with parrots and other similar species but does affect other birds, including pigeons. Symptoms are commonly a flu-like illness and pneumonia usually appearing 5-19 days after exposure.

Salmonella – this may also be present in some bird droppings. It is a bacterial infection that can cause significant diarrhoea.

This is just one of the reasons it is crucial to control the number of Birds in, on and around your premises.

Any species of Bird can become a pest when they:

Congregate in large numbers

Scavenge for food sources

Nest in and on buildings

Show aggression during breeding

Leave large amounts of bird droppings

Damage crops and plants

Damage buildings, possessions and goods

Become a danger to human life

Some of the Pests

Rooks

Rooks are an incredibly social species of bird, usually found nesting in large rookeries, high up in the trees. These rookeries can generate large amounts of noise that can be a problem in a less rural location and for hotels. Whilst large flocks of Rooks feeding around golf courses and on agricultural land can cause a serious amount of damage.

Ring-necked Parakeet

The Ring-necked or rose-ringed parakeet, has become the UK's only parrot, after they established a wild colony in the 1970's when captive birds escaped / were released. These birds can raid many crops like corn and other cereals as well as orchards and vineyards, they are also known to be carriers of Newcastle Disease and Cryptosporidium, with the potential to pass infection onto poultry and other birds.

Starlings

With a very acidic dropping these birds have been known to damage brickwork and even steel, in areas where they roost and nest in large numbers. Their droppings can also promote fungal growth when landing in soil which can lead to a number of diseases when it comes into contact with people. Starlings tend to flock in large numbers and can cause large loses for agricultural industries as they damage crops.

Carrion Crows

These birds are incredible scavengers, often seen around waste sites, agricultural land and even in the middle of roads eating road kill. They can be incredibly destructive in their hunt for food, not only to crops but to property as they wrench off windscreen wipers and steal the putty from around your windows, whilst attracted by their own reflection.

Gulls

Gulls tend to be a real nuisance for one of three reasons, Breeding, Feeding or Roosting and then intensity of the problem depends on the size of the colony. These birds will become aggressive when defending their nest or trying to find food, which can become a health and safety risk when they are nesting in an urban environment. Large numbers roosting on buildings, crops and playing fields can leave piles of droppings in a short period of time.

Pigeons and Doves

Pigeons and Doves mate for life and can breed all year round, laying up to 18 eggs every year. These birds have become so complacent with humans, they are happy to nest and roost in, on and around our buildings, with larger colonies leaving untold amounts of bird droppings behind every night. They are also known carriers of diseases like: Newcastle Disease, Psittacosis, Salmonella and many more... which can be passed onto live stock and crops.

Nest Removal

What our clients have to say

I am over the moon with the contract and how Sky Raiders are helping to resolve our pest issue. I can honestly say you have achieved more in 3 months than the other company managed in 3 years.

Andy Ronchetti - Estates Manager | Discovery Park

The Sky Raiders team accompanied by a Bird of Prey persuaded our seagulls, without causing them any harm, to find somewhere else to raise their young.
A very professional, friendly service, with good results, and at a reasonable price.

Richard Knight - Deal Parochial C.E Primary School

Being a Waste Processing Facility situated next to a river we obviously attract unwanted pests.
Within no time they had the problem under control and we no longer have pest birds on-site.
We will continue to use Sky Raiders and would highly recommend them to anybody else that needs a professional reliable service to deal with these kind of problems

Peter Friend - Director | Thanet Waste

Excessive amount of pest birds resting on our cropped fields were becoming an issue. Controls such as gas guns were not making an impact other than annoying our residential neighbours, and crop covers were also not deterring them. Since using Sky Raiders, we have seen a significant drop in the numbers of birds flying over and landing on our fields. It has been beneficial, proactive and well received by our customer.

Vince Payne - Technical Manager | Intercrop Ltd

Mother Nature has the answer!

We specialise in using the most natural method of pest control out there.

Using Birds of Prey to manage Seagulls, Pigeons, Parakeets, Starlings, Blackbirds instils the natural instincts of the pest species not to nest, feed or roost where there is danger.